Fenraith Tribe

The Fenraith Tribe

Wardens of the Elm Nestled within the heart of the swamp in the Nedder Reach lies the Fenraith Tribe, a resilient, close-knit community deeply attuned to the living heart of the marshlands. They are known as the guardians of the Elm, the ancient Eldertree that watches over the marshes. Unlike their more mystical counterparts, the Morvael, the Fenraith are deeply rooted in the physical aspects of survival. They hold nature's cycles of life in the highest regard, valuing strength, precision and adaptability as essential to their way of life.  

Values and Practices

  The Fenraith are skilled hunters and gatherers, taking only what they need from the swamp and giving thanks with every catch. They see their lives as intertwined with the land, treating every hunt as a sacred act and every meal as a gift from the spirits of the marsh. Archery is a revered art, and many young elves begin training with the bow at an early age, honing their skills to become skilled hunters and protectors of their people. The tribe regards every hunt as a ritual, and they are careful to respect their prey, believing that every life taken is a sacrifice that strengthens the tribe.   Physical training is also central to their way of life. The Fenraith regard physical prowess as a mark of honour and dedication to the tribe, and each member is encouraged to develop the agility, endurance and strength to best navigate the dense swamps and murky waters of their homeland. Through this rigorous training, they learn to move silently through the swamp, tracking prey, dodging danger and defending their land with unparalleled skill.

Beliefs and Spirituality

The Fenraith draw their spiritual strength from one part of the two-spirited essence of the swamp itself - Syl'thir, the Dawn Glow. They see her as a protector of the newborn, guardian of bountiful hunting and fruitful gathering and bringer of healing through the swamp’s waters. Syl'thir is said to bless the Fenraith with clear vision and steady hands, guiding their hunts and helping them find safe paths through the swamp.   Rituals often involve offerings of herbs, feathers or prey, which are placed at the base of the tree as old as the moor itself, the Elderwood.  

Culture and Customs

  The Fenraith believe in community and loyalty, and see every member of the tribe as part of a larger family. Everyone has a role, from skilled hunter to forager to scout, and everyone is expected to contribute to the tribe's welfare. Old elves teach respect for the land and train the young in techniques that have been perfected over generations. Celebrations of strength and agility are common, with the tribe gathering to honour outstanding hunters as their most prized members.   Rites of passage are also an important part of Fenraith culture. Young Fenraith undergo a test known as the Hunt of the First Light, in which they must successfully hunt a squirrel alone at dawn. This rite symbolizes both their growing bond with the marshes and their willingness to contribute to the tribe. Once the hunt is complete, they return to the Elderwood to offer their catch in thanks and to be embraced by their parents. If they fail to bring back their prey, they are unwelcome to return.  

Appearance and Artifacts

  Fenraith hunters keep a bone from their first kill for as long as they may live. It is a bad omen if it breaks, and should this happen, the Fenraith elves must acquire a familiar blessing for a bone of an enemy they have slain.   They use the natural colours of the swamps, greens, browns and muted blues, to blend in with their surroundings. Many carry hand-carved wooden charms or small tokens from past hunts, believing they bring good luck and honour the spirits of the animals they have hunted. Their signature weapon is a bow crafted by the most skillful Fenraith Tribesmen from the bark of the ancient Eldertree, only granted to particularly skillful archers. These bows are their most prized possessions and treated with the utmost respect and care.   Relations with the Morvael The two tribes, though distinct, embody two sides of the same coin: the Fenraith are the physical defenders of the swamp, embracing life and strength, while the Morvael are the guardians of its spirit, embracing death and mystery. Together they ensure the protection of the swamp and the balance of its delicate, ancient ecosystem. The Morvael admire the Fenraith's hunting skills and physical prowess, while the Fenraith recognise the Morvael's wisdom in matters of magic and the spiritual realm. The two tribes see each other as allies and often arrange marriages between their young elves to ensure peace and the survival of their heritage.
Founding Date
-1290
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities

Comments

Please Login in order to comment!